Three area teens charged in December rape

April 19, 2012

LAKE PLACID - Three teens have been charged in connection with a forcible rape reported in December.

Lake Placid village police arrested a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old from Lake Placid and an 18-year-old from Wilmington, on Friday. They were all charged with first-degree rape, a class B felony. First degree means the rape involved force.

The alleged victim is a 17-year-old girl, police said.

The names of the defendants have not been released due to their ages. The 18- and 19-year-old teens are eligible for youthful offender status, and the 16-year-old is eligible for juvenile delinquent status.

Sgt. Chuck Dobson said the rape was reported Dec. 16, 2011. He said police have been investigating the complaint in conjunction with the Essex County District Attorney's Office.

The teens were arraigned in Lake Placid village court and released to third parties. They are expected to return to court at a later date.

Dobson added that the DA's office will likely schedule the matter for a grand jury.